The Prophet of Islam

The Prophet of Islam

1985 6June 21-23 The Prophet of Islam (1222)

Part I Chapter V (contd.)

Under the tribal system, tribal protection was essential for individuals. At the beginning of the period spent in Mecca, the Prophet Mohammad, may peace be upon him, enjoyed the protection of his uncle, Abu Talib, chieftain of the Banu Hashim. In the tenth year of his mission, Abu Talib died, and his mantle descended upon Abu Lahab. Since Abu Lahab refused him protection, the Prophet began seeking the protection of some other tribe, so that he could continue his preaching work. It was for this purpose that he went to Taif.

Along with his servant Zaid Ibn Haritha, the Prophet made the 65mile journey to Taif, a fertile oasis south-east of Mecca. He had some relatives in the town, but at that time power rested with three individuals: Abd Yaleel, Masood and Habib. The Prophet met all three of them, and all three refused to join him, or even extend their protection. “I will tear the curtain of the Holy Ka’aba, if God has made you His prophet,” one of them said. “Couldn’t God find anyone else to send as His prophet,” added another sneeringly. “I swear that I won’t speak to you!” the other said. “It would be an insult to you for me to do so if you are a true prophet, and an insult to myself if you are false in your claims.” (Seerat Ibn Hisham, Vol. II, P.L.C. 29).

Dispirited, the Prophet set out on the return journey. But still the people of Taif did not leave him alone. They set the urchins after him, and a volley of stone-throwing and abuse drove him out of town. Zaid tried to shield the Prophet with his blanket, but with no success. The Prophet’s body was wounded from head to foot.

Some way out of town, there was a vineyard belonging to two brothers by the name of 'Utba and Shayba. It was dusk when the Prophet reached there, and he took refuge in it. His body was covered in wounds, but on his lips were prayers. “Lord,” he cried, “help me; do not leave me to fend for myself.”

‘Utba and Shayba were both idolaters; but when they saw the Prophet’s condition, they took pity on him. They had a Christian slave by the name of Addas. They told him to fetch a few bunches of grapes, and take them in a bowl before their guest. Addas did as he was told: he brought some grapes to the Prophet and requested him to partake of them. The Prophet recited the name of God as he took them in his hand to eat. Addas looked at the Prophet’s face. “By God,” he said,

“it is not usual for people in this land to utter these words.” The Prophet asked Addas where he came from, and what his religion was. Addas replied that he was a Christian, and hailed from Nineveh in Iraq. “So you are from the town of the good Jonah, son of Matthew,” the Prophet observed. “How do you know Jonah, son of Matthew” Addas retorted. "He was a prophet, and so am I,” the Prophet said. On hearing this, Addas bowed before the Prophet, kissing his head, hands and feet.

Utba and Shayba were looking on. “Look,” they said to one another. “This fellow has corrupted our servant.” “Shame on you,” they said to Addas when he returned. “What were you kissing that fellow’s head, hands and feet for?” “Master,” Addas replied. “There is nothing greater than him on the face of the earth. He told me something that no one but a prophet can reveal” “Shame on you,” they repeated. “Be careful that he does not turn you away from your religion; for your religion is better than his.”

In a single journey, God’s prophet was treated in three different ways by three different groups of people: one pelted him with stones; a second extended hospitality to him; a third acknowledged his prophethood.

There is a great lesson to be learnt from this event – namely that there is no end to possibilities in this world. If you stand in an open plain, there is sure to be a tree’s shade in which you can find rest. If you are treated cruelly by some, then do not despair; if you adhere to the path of truth, and do not respond in a negative way to such treatment by others, then God will surely come to your assistance. Some may not rally to your cause, but you are sure to find a place in the hearts of others.

The Prophet of Islam met with dire opposition when he started his preaching mission in Mecca in the year 609AD. He was subjected to torment upon torment. The people of Mecca did whatever they could to thwart and oppress him. But his mission continued to gain ground, and finally the message of Islam reached the people of Medina, the majority of whom accepted Islam. Together with the Prophet, other Muslims were also persecuted in Mecca. The Prophet told them to go to Medina, where they would be received by their Muslim brethren, who were ready to give them succour. One by one, the Muslims started emigrating to Medina. When the Quraish heard about this scheme, they made efforts to prevent the Muslims from leaving Mecca: some they beat up, some they took captive; but somehow most of the Muslims managed to reach their refuge in Medina.

Finally (622AD) came the Prophet’s turn. The Quraish realized that, with the rest of the Muslims safely installed in Medina, it would not be long before the Prophet himself joined them. Leaders of all the tribes of the Quraish, except the Banu Hashim, met in the great hall of Qusayye Ibn Kalab's house, where all such meetings were held. Various proposals were put forward, but finally all agreed that a person from every tribe should attack and kill Mohammad: his blood would thus be divided over all eleven tribes; the Banu Hashim, the tribe to which the Prophet belonged, being unable to fight with all of them, would accept compensation instead. Next night, they surrounded the Prophet’s house, waiting for the Prophet to emerge so that they could pounce on him and kill him.

The Prophet knew exactly what was going on. Quietly, he continued his preparations. That night, according to plan, he left Mecca along with Abu Bakr. The Prophet realized that when news of his departure reached the Quraish, they would send search parties in pursuit of him. So he and Abu Bakr hid in a cave of Mount Thur, four miles out of Mecca. They planned to stay there a few days, until the Quraish called off their search, and the two could continue their journey to Medina.

The Quraish horsemen started looking everywhere for the Prophet. It was not long before one brigade reached his hideout in Mount Thur. There they were, armed and standing at the mouth of the cave: the Prophet and Abu Bakr could even see their feet. Abu Bakr, sensing the critical danger they were in, said to the Prophet: “The enemy are upon us.” “Don’t worry,” the prophet reassured him: “God is with us. We are only two,” he continued calmly: “but how do you rate two men who have God as a third companion?”